ELECTION MONITORING

Bantay ng Bayan Primer

What is the Bantay ng Bayan?

These are reports on observations, findings, and
recommendations on the critical aspects of the
election process given at regular intervals to the
Filipino people. The BnB is a return to the original
role NAMFREL performed in 1983 when it was first
engaged in the Philippine election process.

When will the BnB reports be released?

There will be
pre-election, election day, and post election reports.

Why is NAMFREL doing Bantay ng Bayan?

The reports will:
1. promote greater awareness and understanding of the
election process
2. contribute to building confidence in the election
3. support the aspiration of COMELEC to have a free,
fair and credible election
4. refocus NAMFREL’s role in light of the automation of
the May 2010 elections
5. engage its nationwide volunteers in the entire
election process
Lastly, the generation of the reports does not need
accreditation from the COMELEC.

How will the reports be disseminated? The reports
will be released through the following channels:

How are BnB reports different from news articles or
opinions in political columns or from editorials in
newspapers?

The BnB reports are based on data gathered by its
network of volunteers throughout the country, using
uniform data gathering instruments, based on standards
and parameters of free and fair elections practiced in
all democratic countries worldwide, and shall cover a
broad range of topics on the election. The reports are
not speculative, nor simple expression of opinions, nor
touching on personalities.

What are international standards of free and fair
elections?

“Everyone has the right to take part in the government
of his country, directly or through freely chosen
representatives.” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 21)
1. Transparency of the electoral process
2. An effective, impartial and independent election
administration body
3. Equality for candidates and political parties
4. Equitable access to media
5. Voter education programs to ensure that voters
understand the electoral process, the choices they may
vote for, and practical information on where, when and
how to vote
6. Peaceful atmosphere in which candidates, parties, and
voters can campaign and vote
7. Prompt publication of detailed resultsAccess by
observers
(Source: Handbook for EU Election Observation Missions)

How long is the reporting period?

Pre-election Reports will range from 8 – 20 days from
distribution of report forms to rendering the BnB Report

Election Day Report:
Critical incidents shall be reported as they happen via
SMS or telephone
Accomplished Datasheet shall be submitted on May 11, the
day after the election.
BnB reports to the nation at 12 NN and at 8 PM

Post-election
Reports:
3 days after the election, integrating the Election Day
Datasheet
30 days after the election

What is the Procedure for Generating BnB Reports?

Distribution & Collection of Data Sheets

Analysis and Report Generation

Election Day Report System (Covering 30% of
precincts nationwide)

1. Municipal or City BnB Observers
Observe following the BnB Datasheet
Submit
accomplished Datasheet to PC on May 11
2. Municipal or City BnB Observers
Observe critical incident
send
info to PC via call or SMS; PC verify, probe, and
validate info
send
info to National via call or SMS

Bantay ng Bayan Organization

What and Who are the Responsibility Centers in the
BnB?

1. Chairman, National Council, Sec-Gen and Spokesman
present BnB Report to the public.
2. Oversight Committee (comprised of the Chairman and
members of the National Council) review BnB Reports.
Members of the National Council contribute through
individual Reports.
3. BnB Team develops the concept, mechanics, and data
gathering instruments, conducts training, integrates the
draft reports, and undertakers tasks to ensure the
quality of the BnB reports.
4. Secretariat under the Secretary General coordinates
the various tasks in the BnB reporting cycle, including
but not limited to providing manpower, distribution and
collection of Datasheets, data encoding, media
coordination, logistics, etc.
5. Provincial Coordinators (PCs) oversee the reporting
cycle at the provincial level, recruit municipal and
city BnB observers, conduct training on data gathering,
distribute and collect data, and develop reports at the
provincial level when necessary / appropriate.
6. BnB Observers (2 per city or municipality) – organize
a work plan for gathering the data, secure official
documents, observe the developments and events required
in the report period, conduct interviews with voters and
key informants, and submit reports to the Provincial
Coordinator at appointed deadline

Who will make good M or C BnB Observers?

The following qualifications are desirable:
1. Knowledge: the election process, rules and calendars;
BnB operation
2. Skills: oral and written communication; keen
observation; probing
3. Attributes: non-partisan; committed to the objectives
of BnB, resourceful, tactful; courteous
4. Education: at least high school level